A quiet Friday morning turned into a nightmare for residents of Anaconda, a small town in southwestern Montana, after a mass shooting at a local bar claimed the lives of four people and sent shockwaves through the community.
The incident occurred at The Owl Bar, a well-known establishment in the heart of town. According to local authorities, the gunman opened fire inside the bar, killing four individuals before fleeing the scene.
The suspect has been identified as Michael Paul Brown, whom police are actively searching for. He is believed to be armed and dangerous, and authorities have urged the public to avoid the Stumptown area and surrounding regions, including Anderson Ranch Loop Road.
Law enforcement, including the Montana Highway Patrol and Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center, quickly launched a manhunt. A heavy police presence has been established west of Anaconda, and the situation remains tense.
The ripple effects of the shooting were felt across the town as businesses shut down, and residents sheltered indoors. Many local business owners were alerted by friends or social media posts and immediately locked their doors.
At Caterpillars to Butterflies Childcare, located just blocks from the crime scene, owner Sage Huot said she was notified early and kept all the children inside for safety.
Over at Firefly Caf&eacute;, owner Barbie Nelson decided to close shop by 11 a.m. &ldquo;We are Montana, guns aren&rsquo;t new to us,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;But for our town to be on lockdown like this, everyone&rsquo;s pretty rattled.&rdquo;
The unusual lockdown has shaken the normally peaceful community, where such incidents are rare. As helicopters circled overhead and law enforcement combed the wooded outskirts of town, the atmosphere remained tense and uncertain.
Police are working around the clock to locate the suspect. A photo of&nbsp;Michael Paul Brown has been released on official social media pages, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward immediately.
Residents are advised to stay indoors, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity. As of now, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
What started as a regular day has now left a small Montana community shaken, mourning the loss of four lives and grappling with fear. With a dangerous suspect still at large, the focus remains on swift justice &mdash; and ensuring the safety of the people of Anaconda.

4 Killed in Bar Shooting, Suspect At Large

Montana's Anaconda town in lockdown after deadly bar shooting leaves four dead

4 Killed in Bar Shooting, Suspect At Large

Montana's Anaconda town in lockdown after deadly bar shooting leaves four dead

August 2, 2025 | 15:21 IST